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A new garage can solve all sorts of problems. Maybe your driveway is full, your tools and bikes have taken over the house, or you simply want secure storage that doesn’t involve squeezing past paint tins every time you open a cupboard.

For some homeowners, it’s about protecting a car. For others, it’s extra storage, a workshop, a hobby space, or future conversion potential.

Whatever the reason, the cost to build a garage can vary quite a bit depending on the size, materials, roof type and how you plan to use the space.

This guide explains typical garage building costs in the UK, including single and double garage prices, brick garage costs, prefab garage prices, labour costs and the extras that can affect your budget.

How much does it cost to build a garage?

As a guide, building a new garage in the UK usually costs between £21,000–£58,000.

Smaller single garages with a flat roof sit at the lower end of the scale, while larger double garages with pitched tiled roofs and more complex groundwork cost more.

Garage build costs

As a general rule, garage prices rise with:

• Larger footprints

• Pitched roofs

• Brick construction

• Insulation and utilities

Get a quote for a new garage build

For an accurate garage build price, it’s worth speaking to a few checked local garage builders to request a quote.

A written quote should explain the garage size and specification, foundations and groundwork required, roof type, garage door costs, labour and material costs, electrics or plumbing (if included), and any extras you may need to budget for.

Enter your postcode to compare garage building services covering your area and get clear, tailored quotes for your project.

Garage build costs at a glance

• Single garage with flat roof: around £25,000

• Single garage with pitched tiled roof: around £30,000

• Double garage with flat roof: around £36,000

• Double garage with pitched tiled roof: around £43,000

• Average garage build cost per m²: around £1,300

• Garage builder (labour cost): around £250 per day

• Prefab garage cost: around £1,000–£8,000

• Garage with living space: around £1,700 per m²

Garage build costs by type

The type of new garage you build has one of the biggest impacts on the final cost.

Single garage cost

Single garages are the most affordable option and are often chosen for:

• One vehicle

• Storage

• Bikes and tools

• Smaller plots

Typical cost: £21,000–£40,000 for an attached single-size garage.

Double garage cost

Double garages cost more because of the larger footprint, extra materials and increased groundwork.

Typical cost: £30,000–£58,000 for an attached double garage.

Many homeowners choose a double garage if they:

• Have two cars

• Want workshop space

• Need storage alongside parking

• Are future-proofing the property

Garage with living space cost

Some homeowners build a garage with future living space in mind — either above the garage or designed for later conversion.

• Typical cost for a garage with living space: around £1,700 per m²

Costs rise because you may need:

• Insulation

• Plumbing

• Electrics

• Upgraded flooring

• Heating

• Better ventilation

Garage extension cost

Extending an existing garage is sometimes more cost-effective than building a completely new structure.

• Typical garage extension cost: around £1,300 per m²

This can work well if:

• You only need a little extra space

• Foundations already exist

• Access is limited

What affects the cost of building a garage?

No two garage projects are exactly the same, which is why prices vary so much. The main factors that can affect the cost of your garage build include:

• Garage size: Bigger garages need more materials, more labour, larger foundations and bigger roofs. Double garages naturally cost more than singles

• Roof type: Flat roofs are cheaper and quicker to build. Pitched roofs cost more upfront but usually last longer

• Materials: Brick, concrete, timber and prefab garages all come with different costs, insulation levels and maintenance requirements

• Intended use: A basic storage garage costs less than a garage designed as a workshop, gym, office, hobby room or future conversion

• Location: Garage builder costs are usually higher in London, the South East, and sites that are difficult to access

• Foundations and groundworks: Ground conditions can significantly affect garage build costs. You may need excavation, reinforced foundations, drainage work, retaining walls and levelling — average cost around £400 per m²

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Garage material costs

Different garage materials come with different price points, levels of durability and maintenance requirements, so the right choice often comes down to how you plan to use the space, how long you expect the garage to last, and your budget.

Brick garage cost

Brick garages are one of the most popular options in the UK because they’re durable, secure and visually in keeping with many homes.

They're excellent at soundproofing, great at retaining heat, and straightforward to maintain. However, they can be costly to repair, expensive to modify, and can add a lot more weight to your foundations.

How much does it cost to build a brick garage in the UK?

A brick garage measuring 6m wide x 6m deep x 2.5m high typically costs between £24,000–£32,000.

Detached brick garages with pitched roofs usually average:

• £37,000 for a single garage

• £50,000 for a double garage

Brick garages tend to:

• Last longer

• Offer better insulation

• Need less maintenance over time

…but they are more expensive to build than prefab alternatives.

Prefab garage cost

Prefab garages are usually the cheapest way to build a new garage. They're quick and easy to install, often needing minimal groundwork. They come in a range of materials and designs to suit different budgets and styles.

Bear in mind, they can be less durable than traditional options, offering lower insulation and soundproofing. Options to customise are more limited, and repairs can be more complex due to the prefab design.

• Typical prefab garage cost: £1,000–£8,000

They’re popular because they:

• Install quickly

• Require less labour

• Often need less groundwork

• Can be installed within a few days

However, they’re usually:

• Less customisable

• Less durable than brick garages

• Less suitable for future conversion

Concrete garage cost

Concrete garages are durable, long-lasting and affordable. They're excellent at retaining heat and will protect against external forces such as fire, noise, and extreme weather.

However, they must be carefully installed by a professional. Small ground movements, cracks, and other damage can be costly to repair.

Typical costs:

• Around £22,000 for a single garage with flat roof

• Around £30,000 with pitched tiled roof

Breeze block garage cost

Breeze block garages are cost-effective, quick to build, and provide good structural strength. They also offer decent insulation and soundproofing. They're usually cheaper than brick garages.

Typical material cost: around £2 per block.

A single detached garage may need around:

• 200 blocks

• Approximately £400 in materials

Garage door costs

Garage doors offer a chance to add some custom flair to your build. But they can also impact your project cost in a big way.

As a general guide, budget at least £1,000 + VAT for garage doors.

Automated, insulated or timber-effect doors usually cost more.

Up-and-over garage door cost

Typical cost: around £550 + VAT in steel (single garage).

Canopy up-and-over doors are a popular choice because they’re simple, familiar and usually one of the more affordable garage door styles. They work well for standard garages where you have enough driveway space for the door to swing out as it opens.

Retractable up-and-over doors are slightly more expensive and are very popular. These doors slide up into the garage on horizontal runners when opened, and can easily be converted to be remote controlled.

Sectional garage door cost

Typical cost: around £1,000 + VAT in steel for a single garage.

Sectional doors split into horizontal panels that move across curved tracks. They are popular for:

• Larger vehicles

• Modern garages

• Automated opening systems

Side-hinged garage doors

Typical cost: around £1,225 + VAT in steel for a single garage.

This type of door opens in the middle, which means it never enters your garage space. With that in mind, these doors are perfect when the garage is mainly used for:

• Storage

• Bikes

• Tools

• Hobby use

Labour and additional trade costs

Building a garage often involves several trades.

Typical labour costs for trades who may be needed for a garage build include:

• Carpenter prices: £20–£40 per hour

• Electrician hourly rate: £50 per hour

• Painter and decorator prices: £180–£200 per day

• Structural engineer cost: £100–£200 per hour

Electrics and plumbing costs

Even simple garages usually need lighting, sockets and a power supply.

If you’re planning a more fully equipped garage — for example with heating, plumbing, water supply or drainage — costs will naturally be higher.

For a standard setup, you can expect:

• Electrics and plumbing for a single garage to cost around £3,500

• For a double garage, budget around £7,000

Additional garage building costs to budget for

The garage itself is only part of the overall cost.

Some of the additional costs you may face include:

• Planning permission

• Building regulations

• Drainage

• Insulation (external wall or cavity wall)

• Landscaping

• Driveway access

• Excavation

• Site preparation

• Skip hire

• External lighting

Not every garage project will need all of these, but they can add significantly to the total budget.

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What should be included in a garage building quote?

A good quote should make it easier to understand the full scope of your project cost without the worry of unexpected extras cropping up once work is underway. Look for:

• Foundations and groundwork

• Materials

• Roof type

• Garage doors

• Labour

• Electrics or plumbing

• Waste removal

• Timescales

• VAT

• Exclusions

Aim to get a selection of quotes from garage builders who cover your area. This can help get a feel for what a fair price looks like for your project.

How long does it take to build a garage?

Garage build times vary depending on the size, weather, groundwork required, materials chosen and the complexity of the project.

Typical timeframes:

• Prefab garage: around 48–72 hours

• Traditional garage build: around 2 weeks–2 months

Your builder should be able to give you a realistic schedule before work starts.

Garage build cost calculator

Use our garage build cost calculator to get a rough idea of likely costs before requesting quotes.

You’ll need to think about the garage size, roof type and materials; foundations and groundworks, whether electrics and plumbing are needed, and whether the garage will include living space.

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This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. A local garage builder will be able to assess your site properly and provide a written quote based on your plans, access and groundwork requirements. For a clearer idea of what you’ll actually pay, request quotes from a selection of checked local garage builders who cover your area.

Can you build a garage yourself?

Some prefab garages are sold as self-assembly kits, so if you're an experienced DIYer, you may be able to build these yourself.

However, most garage builds involve foundations, structural work, roofing, drainage, electrics and building regulations.

Mistakes can become expensive very quickly.

For most homeowners, hiring an experienced garage builder is the safer option.

Garage building checklist

• Decide how you’ll use the garage

• Choose between single or double size

• Think about flat vs pitched roof

• Consider insulation and utilities early

• Check whether planning permission is needed

• Compare several written quotes

• Ask what’s included and excluded

• Confirm building regulations requirements

Why many homeowners still choose to build a garage

Building a new garage is a significant investment, but for many households it solves several problems at once.

For some, it’s secure parking and better storage. For others, it’s somewhere to keep bikes, tools, gym equipment or garden furniture out of the house.

And increasingly, people are building garages with future flexibility in mind — whether that’s a workshop, utility/laundry space, hobby room, teenage hangout, or even potential for a future conversion later on.

A well-built garage can also improve day-to-day practicality, tidy up the front of a property, and in some cases add value too. That’s why many homeowners see it as more than just somewhere to park the car.

When should you speak to a garage builder?

It’s worth speaking to a garage builder as soon as you have a rough idea of the scope of your project. That is, the size you want, how you’ll use the space, your available budget and where the garage will sit on the plot.

An experienced garage builder can then explain the groundwork requirements, suitable materials, likely costs, planning considerations and whether future conversion is realistic.

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Find garage builders near you

Comparing quotes from local garage builders is one of the best ways to understand what a realistic price looks like for your project.

A reputable builder will inspect the site properly, explain your options clearly, provide an itemised written quote and outline realistic timescales for the build.

FAQs

How much does it cost to build a garage in the UK?

Building a garage in the UK usually costs between £21,000–£58,000, depending on the size, roof type and specification.

How much does it cost to build a brick garage in the UK?

A brick garage measuring 6m × 6m × 2.5m typically costs around £24,000–£32,000.

What is the cheapest type of garage to build?

The cheapest way to build a garage in the UK is to opt for a prefab garage. These garages can cost as little as £1,000–£8,000 and are quick and easy to install.

How much does a garage cost per m² in the UK?

Garage build costs tend to average around £1,300 per m².

Does a garage add value to a house?

A garage can add value to a property, particularly where parking or storage is limited. A garage conversion could add even more value, with the potential to add up to 20% to your property price.

Do I need planning permission to build a garage?

Many garages fall under permitted development, but larger garages, detached structures and garages in conservation areas may need permission. Check with your local authority to be sure.

How long does it take to build a garage?

Traditional garage builds can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, while prefab garages are often much quicker to install. These can usually be constructed within 48 to 72 hours.

Can I build my own garage in the UK?

Some prefab garages are designed for self-assembly, but most garage builds are better suited to experienced builders because of the structural and regulatory requirements.

What's the most expensive part of building a garage?

Labour costs can form a large part of your garage building cost. This typically averages around £250 per day.

What is the cheapest way to insulate a garage UK?

As long as your garage's interior walls haven't yet been constructed, the cheapest way to insulate your garage will usually be to use fibreglass roll insulation.

This can be used both on your walls and in the attic space. It can simply be rolled out and stapled between your wall studs or laid flat on horizontal surfaces, making it easy to install as well as cost-effective.

What size garage can I build without planning?

If you're hoping to build your garage without planning permission, you'll need to keep it below a certain size. It should:

• Have a floor space of less than 15 m² if detached or 30 m² if attached to your home

• Be no higher than 4 metres

• Only be one storey high

• Take up less than half of your land

How much does it cost to convert a garage into a room UK?

The cost to convert a garage into a room will depend on lots of things, such as the size of your garage, whether it's attached or detached, and the purpose of the room.

That said, as a rough guide, you can expect to pay around £10,000–£20,000 to convert an integrated or attached garage of 16m².

How much does a garage conversion cost per m² in 2026?

As a ballpark average, you're looking at around £625–£1,250 per m² to turn your garage into a habitable room. This is significantly less than the cost of a house extension, so it's typically seen as a cost-effective way to add extra living space to your home.

Can I use my garage as a bedroom UK?

Yes, you should be able to use your garage as a bedroom in the UK, as long as your plans fall under permitted development rights.

However, if you're planning to use your garage as standalone accommodation, then you'll likely need to apply for 'change of use'.

How close to my boundary can I build a garage UK?

How close to your boundary you can build a garage and other similar outbuildings will vary depending on local planning policies and other details that are unique to your property.

The best way to make sure you're meeting requirements is to speak to your local planning department or speak with builders who have experience constructing garages near you.

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